The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-1 in an NHL game at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. The Penguins scored first with a goal by Thomas Novak, assisted by Kris Letang and Jevgenij Malkin, in the first period. Paul Cotter equalized for the Devils in the second period.
In the third period, Connor Clifton scored to give Pittsburgh a 2-1 lead, followed by goals from Jegor Tjinachov and Blake Lizotte to secure the win. This victory was Pittsburgh's eighth win in their last ten games. The Penguins are reportedly playing without their captain Sidney Crosby for the next four weeks, though the reason is unclear.
Erik Karlsson, who played over 21 minutes, commented that it was a perfect start and expressed hope the team could maintain performance until Crosby's return. New Jersey has lost both games since the Olympic break. Pittsburgh's next game is against the New York Rangers, while New Jersey faces the St.
Louis Blues.